PlayStation 4 software update 4.0, with HDR support, released today [Update]

You won’t need to buy the new PS4 Pro to get HDR compatibility.

Sam Machkovech – Sep 7, 2016 3:58 pm | 61

A livestream representation isn't a good way to show off HDR, but Sony's Mark Cerny attempts to show it off. Credit: PlayStation

Updated, September 13: Sony’s next system software update for the PlayStation 4, version 4.00, which includes High Dynamic Range (HDR) support, is being released worldwide today, September 13. Sony still hasn’t revealed how it has brought HDR to its older, HDMI 1.4-equipped consoles, but notes that activating it is as simple as ticking a box in the console’s “Video Output Settings” menu.

As well as HDR support, the version 4.00 update introduces tweaks to the Quick Menu, making it easier to access without leaving a game by having it cover only a portion of the screen. There’s also a new music section where users can control Spotify during a game without needing to open the full app. Meanwhile, the What’s New section has had a redesign, and includes more information about what your friends have been doing on their PS4s.

Your PS4 should update its system software to version 4.00 automatically. Our office system updated itself this morning; we’re going to try out HDR now.

Getting ahead of the game somewhat, the update also introduces several PS4 Pro-exclusive features (the console isn’t out until November 10). These include 1080p streaming for Remote Play on PC/Mac, Share Play, YouTube (at 30/60FPS), and Twitch.

Those upgrading to the PS4 Pro will also be able to transfer their data to the new console via a wired ethernet connection.

Original Story

Sony’s PlayStation 4 Pro event on Wednesday loudly trumpeted the benefits of HDR (high dynamic range) rendering as one reason to buy the new system, but in a surprise move, PlayStation’s Andrew House announced that every PlayStation 4 owner can expect HDR compatibility—and as soon as next week.

“With the proper display, all 40 million PlayStation 4 owners can join the HDR revolution,” House told the crowd after confirming that a firmware update will go out to all users next week (though an exact date wasn’t specified). However, House didn’t confirm whether that HDR spec will be locked to the Dolby Vision standard or to HDR-10.

This somewhat leaves Xbox One gamers in the HDR dust, as that system’s HDR compatibility only works for owners of the brand-new Xbox One S hardware revision. That system works only with the HDR-10 spec, which is slightly more limited than Dolby Vision in terms of color and brightness spectrum.